In the first ODI of the Zimbabwe Women’s tour of Thailand, the visitors faced a cracking defeat as Thailand completely outshined them and won the contest by a huge margin of 78 runs at Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Wednesday.
Batting first, the hosts started off slowly, with Sornnarin Tippoch, Natthakan Chantham, and Banthida Leephatthana departing early. However, captain Naruemol Chaiwai held the innings together with a patient knock of 57 runs off 104 deliveries, including seven boundaries.
Nattaya Boochatham also chipped in with a crucial 25 runs off 50 deliveries, while Chanida Sutthiruang and Phannita Maya scored 11 and 17 runs, respectively. Kellies Ndlovu was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe, taking five wickets for just 22 runs in her nine overs. Josephine Nkomo and Precious Marange also bagged a wicket each.
In response, Zimbabwe struggled to get going, losing wickets at regular intervals. Sharne Mayers top-scored with 24 runs off 24 deliveries, including two boundaries and a six. Chipo Mugeri contributed 18 runs off 34 deliveries, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to make an impact.
With the ball, Thipatcha Putthawong was the standout performer for Thailand, picking up a sensational six-wicket haul while conceding just six runs in her 6.1 overs. Phannita Maya and Suleeporn Laomi also picked up a wicket each.
